A new model for high-performance computing

The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has been a national school since 1969, during which time its engineering institution has grown in many areas, becoming one of the most famous European centers for science and technology. Wanting to replace its fragmented high-performance computing (HPC) resources with one central cluster, EPFL ran a series of evaluations and benchmarks to find the right technology for the new resource. It chose to deploy servers powered by the Intel® Xeon® processor E5-2660 and has seen significant power savings and efficiency improvements.

Challenges• Enable change. Make a strategic move to a centralized HPC cluster• Uphold standards. Ensure the performance of key research applications does not suffer• Drive efficiency. Reduce power consumption without compromising performance

Solutions• The right platform. First round of evaluation found the Intel Xeon processor E5 family to be the best foundation for the cluster• Comparative testing. EPFL assessed three different versions of the processor family against real-life applications• The final choice. The organization implemented the Intel Xeon processor E5-2660 to power its new centralized cluster

Impact• A trusted move. Department stakeholders are now convinced of the value of the new cluster• Simple management. The central IT team can now manage the whole cluster, freeing up space and time for scientists• Great potential. EPFL can now build a long-term strategy for ongoing HPC improvement

The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has been a national school since 1969, during which time its engineering institution has grown in many areas, becoming one of the most famous European centers for science and technology. Wanting to replace its fragmented high-performance computing (HPC) resources with one central cluster, EPFL ran a series of evaluations and benchmarks to find the right technology for the new resource. It chose to deploy servers powered by the Intel® Xeon® processor E5-2660 and has seen significant power savings and efficiency improvements.

Challenges• Enable change. Make a strategic move to a centralized HPC cluster• Uphold standards. Ensure the performance of key research applications does not suffer• Drive efficiency. Reduce power consumption without compromising performance

Solutions• The right platform. First round of evaluation found the Intel Xeon processor E5 family to be the best foundation for the cluster• Comparative testing. EPFL assessed three different versions of the processor family against real-life applications• The final choice. The organization implemented the Intel Xeon processor E5-2660 to power its new centralized cluster

Impact• A trusted move. Department stakeholders are now convinced of the value of the new cluster• Simple management. The central IT team can now manage the whole cluster, freeing up space and time for scientists• Great potential. EPFL can now build a long-term strategy for ongoing HPC improvement